Youth and teen mental health
Get advice tailored to your situation
In-person or telemedicine consultations, anywhere in Quebec.
What signs should get your attention?
What matters most is a change that lasts several weeks and interferes with daily life:
| Aspect | Possible signs |
|---|---|
| Mood | Persistent sadness, unusual irritability, constant worry, loss of interest |
| Behavior | Isolation, frequent conflict, risk-taking, alcohol or drug use |
| School | Repeated absences, falling grades, refusing to go to class |
| Body | Sleep problems, changes in appetite or weight, stomach aches or headaches with no cause found |
| Young person's safety | Self-inflicted injuries, talk of death or suicide |
What difficulties are most common?
- Anxiety, including school and social anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Eating disorders
- Sleep difficulties
- Bullying, cyberbullying and problematic screen use
- Trauma
How to talk about it with a young person?
- Choose a calm moment and describe what you see, without judging
- Listen more than you advise, and take their emotions seriously
- Ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide: talking about it does not put the idea in their head
- Suggest several people they can talk to if they would rather not confide in you
- Take care of yourself too: a supported parent helps better
Consent and confidentiality: what does the law say?
In Quebec, a young person aged 14 and over can consent alone to the care required by their state of health. What they share with the professional remains confidential, except as provided by law, for example a danger to their safety or someone else's. The professional nevertheless encourages parents' involvement when possible. Before age 14, the consent of a parent or guardian is required.
How does the assessment work?
The professional meets with the young person, alone for part of the visit when appropriate, and with their parent if the situation allows. They explore mood, sleep, school, friends, substance use and safety, then check if needed that a medical cause is not contributing to the symptoms.
What follow-up options are there?
- Psychotherapy individually and, where appropriate, with family involvement
- Support for healthy habits: sleep, physical activity, screens
- Collaboration with the school, with the agreement of the young person or their parents
- Medication in some cases, based on the doctor's judgment
Consult at Clinique Omicron
Depending on the young person's age and the service required, the professionals at Clinique Omicron, at its service points in Quebec and by teleconsultation, can assess the situation, propose a care plan and refer to psychological follow-up.
The content of this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Consult a physician for any symptoms, questions or decisions you may have regarding your health.
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
In-person or via telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
We accept insurance. Telemedicine consultations available 7 days a week. No family doctor required.